Wayne board of ed proposed budget asks for $205 more for average homeowner

WAYNE - The board of education held the first of two informational public meetings on Feb. 13 to educate taxpayers about the 2013-2014 school budget.

Some of the challenges facing the district trustees outlined in a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting, held at Wayne Hills High School, include special education, curriculum and assessment requirement demands from the New Jersey Department of Education and transportation for non-public students. Security upgrades were also acknowledged.

This budget, if approved as is, will result in an increase of $205 for the homeowner of an average home in town, assessed at $229,000. The tax levy equates $129.8 million.

"As we speak, nothing is set in stone, which is why we have these informational meetings." said Superintendent Ray Gonzalez.

A big change beginning fiscal year 2014-2015, the district must offer all employees averaging 30 plus hours weekly benefits, including per diem and long-term substitutes, according to Obamacare.

Many of the district's fixed costs have also spiked including salaries, which went up about $2.2 million, while employee benefits jumped approximately $2.7 million, and insurance, leases and required maintenance jumped close to $291,000. The total for fixed costs for this budget is $136,318,692.

The proposed tax levy hike equals $2.5 million over the $127.3 million supporting the current school budget under the 2 percent cap mandated by the state.

"We have to look at our programs and priorities and see how to continue to offer the services our students deserve," Gonzalez told the audience of just under about 20 people.

Some of the budget priorities include reviewing elementary programs such as fifth grade camp alternative, elementary counselors, and the GATES program. Secondary programs up for review include middle and high school structure, program and instructional design, and extra-curricular clubs. The inclusion of such in-district programs such as paraprofessionals will also be up for review as well in addition to special education programs and out of district options.

Gonzalez however included the advancement of technology as a priority and pointed out that the WHHS auditorium where the meeting took place was now Wi-Fi equipped and said that further additions will be forthcoming.

"Our teachers started using iPads, Chromebooks, laptops for their instruction. Why these advancements if our teachers can't use them properly?" Gonzalez asked, adding that extra staffing also comes into play to make sure employees fully understand how to use the items.

An unpopular discussion included the possibility of the board doing away with district band camp which usually takes place one week near the end of the summer. According to budget talks, it's a possibility band camp may be forced to take place in district however many parents and band members voiced opposition to this.

"Not having band camp would negatively affect about 150 students involved in high school band. Without this camp, the district's bands would not be successful. We literally practice music all day long the entire week. It also gives us a chance to mingle with students from each high school and that's very important," said David Boronow, member of the WHHS band, who spoke at the meeting supported by his fellow band mates.

The board must adopt a preliminary budget on Feb. 21 which then gets sent to the county for review. The next public informational meeting will take place March 14. A special meeting will be held on March 27 to conduct a formal public budget hearing for final adoption.

Before the meeting concluded, pointing out the low public turnout, board first vice president Alan Mordkoff said, "I just want to point out there are only about 19 people here tonight. Wayne has a lot more taxpayers than that."